Question

How did Mark Antony win the crowd at Julius Caesar's funeral?

Answer 1

ANTONY
Here is the will, and under Caesar's seal.
To every Roman citizen he gives,
To every several man, seventy-five drachmas.
SECOND CITIZEN
Most noble Caesar! We'll revenge his death.
THIRD CITIZEN
O royal Caesar!
ANTONY
Hear me with patience.
ALL. Peace, ho!
ANTONY
Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,
His private arbors, and new-planted orchards,
On this side Tiber; he hath left them you,
And to your heirs forever- common pleasures,
To walk abroad and recreate yourselves.
Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?
FIRST CITIZEN
Never, never. Come, away, away!
We'll burn his body in the holy place
And with the brands fire the traitors' houses.
Take up the body. (3.2.240)

Something like ten minutes ago, the people swore with Brutus that they loved their freedom as Romans above all else. But Antony, with the promise of 2 months wages and some public gardens, convinces the people to riot. They forget the tyranny Brutus warned of.